GLIN==> Northeast-Midwest Weekly Update 24 September 2001

[Glenn Starnes <gstarnes@nemw.org>]

H I G H L I G H T S

*  Water Infrastructure
*  Agriculture Policy
*  U.S.-Canada Trade


WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
--------------------
        Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and George Voinovich are circulating a letter to the VA-HUD Appropriation conferees supporting the Environmental Protection Agency’s water infrastructure programs.  The letter advocates the funding level provided in the Senate bill, which is $162 million more than provided by the House.  Deadline for signature is Monday, September 24.

        CONTACT:  Kris Sarri with the Northeast-Midwest Senate Coalition (224-0606).


AGRICULTURE POLICY
------------------
        The Bush Administration last week issued its long-awaited recommendations on U.S. agriculture policy.  The report, entitled Food and Agricultural Policy:  Taking Stock for the New Century, highlights the need for increased conservation efforts and for restructuring commodity programs to ensure equity and continued compliance with trade agreements.  The report can be viewed at http://www.usda.gov/news/pubs/farmpolicy01/fpindex.htm.

        CONTACTS:  Allen Hance and Dan Wrinn at the Northeast-Midwest Institute (544-5200).


U.S.-CANADA TRADE
-----------------
        The Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance on September 24 and 25 will hold its fall conference in Washington, D.C.  The agenda will feature presentations from congressional leaders, administration officials, and the private sector on trade, transportation, immigration, customs, and energy issues related to the U.S.-Canada trade relationship.  Northeast-Midwest Coalition members are interested in measures that streamline the movement of trade across the U.S.-Canada border.

        CONTACT:  Jim Phillips of the Alliance (716-754-8824 or canambta@aol.com).